Phoenix Child Molestation Defense Attorney

Being accused of child molestation in Phoenix, AZ, is an incredibly serious matter with life-altering consequences. These charges threaten your freedom and can severely impact your reputation, relationships, and future opportunities. Arizona laws are harsh on offenses involving minors, and experiencing it without expert legal guidance can be overwhelming. Charity Clark, a seasoned defense attorney, understands the gravity of these charges and is dedicated to providing the strong, compassionate defense you need during this challenging time.

If you or a loved one is facing charges of child molestation in Arizona, it is essential to act quickly and seek expert legal representation. When you hire Charity Clark, she will closely examine every detail of your case, create innovative defense strategies, and offer unwavering support throughout the legal process. With her extensive experience and dedication to her clients, Charity Clark is committed to protecting your rights and future. Contact Charity Clark Law today for a free case evaluation and discover how we can help protect you.

In Arizona, child molestation involves intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 15, as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1410(A). Sexual contact includes any direct or indirect touching, fondling, or manipulating of the genitals, anus, or breast (excluding the female breast) by any part of the body or an object.

Categories of Child Molestation

Arizona law categorizes child molestation charges based on the age of the victim and the nature of the act:

• Minors Under 15:
  Engaging in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 15 is classified as a Class 2 felony and is considered a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC). This classification leads to extremely harsh penalties if convicted.
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• Multiple Incidents:
  Each incident of sexual contact can result in a separate charge, leading to consecutive sentences that significantly increase the total prison time.

Here are the penalties for child molestation crimes in Arizona:

• Class 2 Felony (DCAC):
  For a first offense involving a minor under 15, the mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years, with a presumptive term of 17 years, and a maximum term of 24 years. All time is served day-for-day, with no eligibility for parole or probation.
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• Prior Predicate Felony Conviction:
  If the defendant has a prior similar felony conviction, the penalties increase dramatically, with a minimum of 21 years, a presumptive term of 28 years, and a maximum of 35 years in prison for each count.

Collateral Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction

A conviction for child molestation in Arizona comes with severe penalties beyond just prison time. Here are some of the additional consequences:

• Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you must register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This registration is public, meaning anyone can see it. It also comes with strict rules about where you can live and work, greatly limiting your options.
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• Professional and Personal Impact:
  ‍A conviction can lead to the loss of professional licenses, which means you may no longer be able to work in your chosen field. You will also be banned from jobs that involve children. On a personal level, the stigma of being labeled a sex offender can severely damage your relationships and standing in the community, leading to isolation and emotional distress.
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• Lifetime Probation:
  Like most sexual offenses in Arizona, a conviction of child molestation can result in lifetime probation.  This is a very intensive type of probation that includes strict monitoring, major restrictions, and intensive treatment. 

These consequences highlight the importance of having a skilled attorney like Charity Clark to defend your rights and help mitigate the impact of these charges on your life.

Here are the penalties for child molestation crimes in Arizona:

• Class 2 Felony (DCAC):
  For a first offense involving a minor under 15, the mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years, with a presumptive term of 17 years, and a maximum term of 24 years. All time is served day-for-day, with no eligibility for parole or probation.
  ‍
• Prior Predicate Felony Conviction:
  If the defendant has a prior similar felony conviction, the penalties increase dramatically, with a minimum of 21 years, a presumptive term of 28 years, and a maximum of 35 years in prison for each count.

Collateral Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction

A conviction for child molestation in Arizona comes with severe penalties beyond just prison time. Here are some of the additional consequences:

• Sex Offender Registration:
  If convicted, you must register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This registration is public, meaning anyone can see it. It also comes with strict rules about where you can live and work, greatly limiting your options.
  ‍
• Professional and Personal Impact:
  A conviction can lead to the loss of professional licenses, which means you may no longer be able to work in your chosen field. You will also be banned from jobs that involve children. On a personal level, the stigma of being labeled a sex offender can severely damage your relationships and standing in the community, leading to isolation and emotional distress.
  ‍
• Lifetime Probation:
  Like most sexual offenses in Arizona, a conviction of child molestation can result in lifetime probation.  This is a very intensive type of probation that includes strict monitoring, major restrictions, and intensive treatment. 

These consequences highlight the importance of having a skilled attorney like Charity Clark to defend your rights and help mitigate the impact of these charges on your life.